Nigeria Police commences special operations against terror

Frank Mba, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, has disclosed that the law enforcement agency has commenced an operation that is aimed at fighting terrorism in the country.

The operation, according to him, would also see to a smooth Easter celebration across the country in line with the resolution of the Police High Command.

He said the operations encompassed extensive counter-terrorism sweeps, detailed overt and covert surveillance operations, intelligence-driven raids, arms mop-up exercise, special stop and search exercise, amongst others.

In a statement, he released on 18 April he said police operatives involved in the exercise would be drawn from the Bomb Disposal Squad, Counter-Terrorism Units, Police Mobile Force and Joint Border Patrol Units, Force Intelligence Bureau, Police Dog Section and conventional Police Teams.

He said they are expected to pay special attention to motor parks, airports, seaports, border points, recreation parks, major markets, shopping malls, and other areas in the category.

In ensuring a successful execution of this special operation, Mba said the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, had ordered all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police including other commanding officers to ensure effective deployments of men and resources throughout the period of the operation.

“Commanding officers have been directed to remain on ground and personally supervise the special operation throughout the Easter holidays and beyond.

“The Police High Command strongly advises owners of unregistered vehicles to withdraw them from the highways immediately.

“Persons and companies operating vehicles painted in police colours or bearing police insignia are also advised to withdraw them from public roads forthwith as field operatives have been directed to arrest and bring to book all such violators.

“Similarly, owners of uncompleted buildings are to keep them clear of undesirable elements and to report to the police all unauthorised persons inhabiting such places,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support to the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies in their resolve to make Nigeria safe and secure.

The statement said he reassures the public that the security agencies will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of all Nigerians during the holidays and thereafter.